# Lock Launcher vs PORTAL EXP

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PORTAL EXP at none against Lock Launcher's 4. Lock Launcher's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 weeks) and chart position (#139 vs unranked). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lock Launcher sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. PORTAL EXP asks for nothing beyond the download.

Lock Launcher ships an update every 9 days, PORTAL EXP every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lock Launcher | PORTAL EXP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-launcher-launch-apps/id1636719674/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Best chart rank | **#139** | — |
| Size | 105 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [6X Studio LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/888749139) | [Emily Sudduth](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721274803) |

## What reviewers say

### Lock Launcher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-launcher-launch-apps/id1636719674)

**Currently charting:** #139 Top Free · Graphics & Design (US App Store)

Instantly launch apps, websites, and shortcuts from your lock screen or control center. Customize widgets with tinted icons and access features like camera control and health data with a single tap.

**Highlights:** Lock screen widgets, Control Center integration, App and shortcut launching, Customizable icons, Camera control, Health data widgets, Dynamic Island features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro (Monthly) | $1.49 | per month |
| Pro (Yearly) | $6.99 | per year |
| Pro (Lifetime) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Pro (Activate) | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Customizable Lock Screen and Dynamic Island
- 🚀 Efficient use of Live Activities
- 💡 Innovative app launcher on Lock Screen
- 🤩 Lots of free features
- 🔥 Great for power users

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
- 🔄 Needs to be reopened periodically
- 🤔 Confusing setup for some users
- 🤖 Lacks support for certain apps

**Reported bugs**

- Dynamic Island countdown issues
- Live Activities sometimes stop working
- Launcher not always appearing on Lock Screen

**Requested features**

- Ability to keep Live Activities always on
- More customization options for Lock Screen widgets
- Shortcuts integration for automation
- Transparent background support for iPad


### PORTAL EXP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/portal-exp/id6502468499)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lock Launcher free?

Lock Launcher is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PORTAL EXP free?

PORTAL EXP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Lock Launcher or PORTAL EXP have ads?

Neither Lock Launcher nor PORTAL EXP shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lock Launcher or PORTAL EXP?

Lock Launcher ships an update every 9 days, and PORTAL EXP every 5 weeks. Most recently, Lock Launcher was updated on October 30, 2026 and PORTAL EXP on October 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*